[Forwarding to multiple lists; please excuse duplication]

The Library of Congress will not undertake changing headings with the abbreviation “Dept.” to the fuller form at this time. Between August 20-October 1, 2010, the Library requested comments from the library community on changing “Dept.” to “Department” to follow the longstanding AACR2 provision (which is also incorporated into RDA: Resource Description and Access) of not abbreviating "department" in headings unless it is abbreviated by the body on the resource from which the name has been taken.

The few comments received by the Policy and Standards Division, Library of Congress, via email showed a clear preference for making this change but the limited response did not constitute a mandate. In addition those opposed to the change had solid reasons for not undertaking the change at this time.  Consequently, the Library’s Policy and Standards Division will NOT proceed with implementing the change now.  The issue will be reviewed again, following a decision regarding implementation of RDA.

Questions may be sent to:

            Policy and Standards Division

            Email: [log in to unmask]